US Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi’s Statement on the 75th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi

[Washington, D.C., 6th July 2010] :
Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in
recognition of the 75th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: “Today
marks the 75th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tibetans inside
and outside Tibet, along with Tibetan supporters all around the world,
will be celebrating this occasion and honoring a man of peace and
wisdom.  “His Holiness often describes himself as a ‘simple
monk, no more, no less.’But His Holiness represents much more to many
people around the world. For thousands, he is a source of spiritual
refuge and a connection to inner peace and harmony. He has traveled the
world, building bridges between the different faiths. He has used his
position to promote wisdom, compassion, and non-violence as a solution
– not only in Tibet – but to other world conflicts.  “The
Dalai Lama has made the human rights situation in Tibet an issue of
international concern, and it is long past time to resolve it. A
negotiated agreement would ensure internal stability in Tibet and
bolster China’s reputation in the world.  “His Holiness has
expressed a willingness to visit China and engage directly with high
level officials. It is my sincere hope that Beijing will send a
confident message by inviting His Holiness to China for substantive
discussions.  “His Holiness has asked for international
support for his non-violent efforts to engage the Chinese government. I
am proud to say the U.S. Congress has been a bedrock of support for the
Tibetan cause.  In 2007, I stood with President Bush to award the
Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his ‘many
enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, non-violence, human
rights, and religious understanding.’  “On the 75th birthday
of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I offer my continued appreciation of
his life’s work promoting compassion, peace, and human rights for all
of the people of the world.”–SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House